Functionalized copolymers of isoolefins and diolefins and their use as compatibilizers

ABSTRACT

Functionalized copolymers of isoolefins and conjugated diolefins, methods of preparing said copolymers, and their use as compatibilizers are disclosed. The diolefin monomer units of the co-polymer are modified at the C—C double bond along the backbone of the copolymer to include an oxygen containing functional group such as epoxide, ester or alcohol. The functionalized copolymers improve the wettabilty of a non-hydrophilic surface towards hydrophilic polymer and allows for the formation of homogenous layers of the hydrophilic polymers. In particular, the spreading of a hydrophilic polymer on a non-hydrophilic substrate is facilitated by applying the co-polymers as an interfacial layer between the two incompatible materials. The resulting coated substrates exhibit resistance to protein adsorption and cell growth after grafting. The co-polymers are especially suited in the coating of biomedical devices where a high degree of uniformity of the coated surface is required.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to functionalization ofpolymers, particularly copolymers of one or more isoolefin and one ormore diolefin. The present invention also relates to use of thesefunctionalized copolymers as compatibilizers.

BACKGROUND

In medical devices such as catheters, catheter inducers, guidewires andthe like, it is often desirable to coat various plastic, rubber or metalparts thereof with products made from hydrophilic or certain otherpolymers that are lubricious and which produce low coefficients offriction during use. However, one of the problems associated with theutility of such coatings is their inability to remain intact andabrasion-resistant during clinical use in body fluids such as blood.Catheters used in angioplasty, gastroenterology and other medicalspecialties, are commonly made of polymeric materials which most oftenare relatively hydrophobic and not inherently slippery or biocompatible.Metal devices and components, such as guidewires to which permanentadhesion of slip agents and/or hydrophilic polymers is often desired,present additional challenges. In any case, polymeric and metallicsubstrates generally require some surface modification in order toreduce the friction between the catheter and other devices with whichthey work, such as vascular sheaths, and also to reduce the frictionbetween the vasculature or other anatomical passageways and the catheteritself. Almost all currently used catheters have some form of surfacemodification or coating applied to them. The ability of the coating toreduce frictional resistance, its durability, as well as itsbiocompatibility are the most important functional aspects of aneffectively coated surface.

It has been recognized that polymer surfaces can be provided withhydrophilic coatings formed by the combinations of certain polymers,both non-cross-linked and cross-linked, with a hydrophilic polymer likepolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). For example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,077,352, 5,160,790, 5,179,174 and 5,290,585 to ELTONeach disclose a flexible, lubricious organic coating formed by applyinga mixture of an isocyanate, a polyol, a hydrophilic polymer likepoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and a carrierliquid to a surface to be coated. The carrier liquid is removed and themixture reacted to form a lubricous, flexible homogenous coating ofcrosslinked polyurethane linkages complexed with PVP or PEO particularlysuitable for use as a protective lubricous coating on medical devicesintroduced into the body.

The use of a crosslinked polyurethane complexed with poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has proven to be aneffective, lubricous and durable coating on numerous organic substrates.However, there are several organic substrates and numerous inorganic andorganometallic substrates (glass, ceramic, metal, silicone, etc.) thatfirst require surface treatment/modification to provide an effectivelubricous, durable coating when aforementioned polyurethane complexedwith PEO or PVP coatings are applied.

The crosslinked polyurea/PEO or PVP coatings are generally formed fromthe curing of the product resulting from the reaction of an isocyanateand a compound having at least two active hydrogens per moleculeselected from the group consisting of polyamines, polymercaptans, andpolycarboxylates or compounds with NH, NH₂, SH or COOH groups on thesame molecule, in the presence of the hydrophilic PEO or PVP polymer.

Polymers such as butyl rubber are commercial elastomers with manydesirable properties including high elasticity, impermeability to gasand water, damping characteristics, and chemical stability. However, dueto its nonpolar nature, evidenced by its relatively high surface contactangle of approximately 90°, it is widely recognized to have poorcompatibility with more polar polymers and materials. In particular,spreading of more hydrophilic materials on the polymer surface during acoating process is not easily achieved in a uniform manner. Theincompatibility between two different materials with two differentproperties, hydrophilic and hydrophobic can create partial or completedewetting after casting of the coating. Consequently, the obtainednon-homogeneous layer is not suitable for physical grafting usingprocesses such as plasmas or hyperthermal hydrogen induced cross-linking(HHIC). The resulting surfaces are not suitable for high endapplications such as biomedical, where a high degree of control over thesurface and its uniformity is required.

There are many examples describing the use of hydrophilic polymers (suchas PEO) coated surfaces to resist the adsorption of protein. Many ofthese examples involve the chemical attachment of functionalizedhydrophilic polymers to the surface. These methods cannot be applieddirectly to polymer surfaces that do not inherently have reactivechemical functionalities. For example, butyl rubber, which is composedalmost entirely of C—C, and C—H bonds with only a small percentage ofC═C bonds from the isoprene units. Physical treatments such as plasma orelectron beam can be used, but they generally require the coating of thesurface with the hydrophilic polymers such as PEO. The incompatibilityof hydrophobic or non-polar or less polar polymer surfaces withhydrophilic or more polar polymers, results in poor wetting. Therefore,for use of these physical treatment methods, it is important to resolvethe wettability problem.

Haldar and Singha (J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2006, 101, 1340-1346) havedescribed the grafting of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate onbutyl rubber surfaces using electron beam radiation (i.e.,polymerization from the surface) as a means to potentially enhancecompatibility of butyl with other polymers. No compatibility propertieswere investigated and based on their microscopy images, their layers ofPMMA deposited on the surface do not appear to be uniform.

U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2002/0028883 A1 and 2003/0096911 A1describe the production of compatibilized blends of general purposerubbers and benzyl halide polymers through the solventless reaction of amultifunctional reagent that reacts with the benzylic halide in onepolymer and the diene in the other polymer. U.S. Patent Publication No.2008/0214669 A1 also discloses a similar approach. These approaches areaimed at the bulk blending of materials, and involve specific chemicalreactions between the two polymers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,739 describes aprocess for compatibilizing polar/nonpolar rubber blends usingcompatibilizer additives such as ethylene/vinyl acetate orethylene/methacrylate copolymers. There are many other examples ofcompatibilization methods for the blending of bulk materials.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,902 describes a method for improving the adherenceor bonding of lubricious coatings including PEO on a variety ofsurfaces, including mention of commercial rubbers. This method involvesa 2-step process where the first step is the high energy treatment suchas plasma, or corona and electron discharges to etch the surface anddeposit reactive functional groups. The next step involves the chemicalreaction of these functional groups with a suitable functionalized PEOderivative. The method disclosed in this patent is based on specificchemical reactions between the layers. This patent, however, does notprovide any data on protein adsorption or cell growth on the coatedpolymer surfaces discloses therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide functionalizedcopolymers of isoolefins and diolefins as compatibilizers. In accordancewith an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method ofimproving wettability of a substrate surface towards a hydrophilicpolymer, comprising applying a compatibilizer to the surface, thecompatibilizer comprising a functionalized copolymer comprisingrepeating units derived from at least one C4-C8 isoolefin and unitsderived from at least one C4-C16 conjugated diolefin, wherein thecopolymer comprises one or more units derived from the at least oneconjugated diolefin wherein the C—C double bond along the backbone ofthe copolymer is functionalized with an oxygen containing functionalgroup.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of coating a hydrophilic polymer on a non-hydrophilicsubstrate, the method comprising the steps of a) applying acompatibilizer on a surface of the substrate to form an interfaciallayer; wherein the compatibilizer comprises a functionalized copolymercomprising repeating units derived from at least one C4-C8 isoolefin andunits derived from at least one C4-C16 conjugated diolefin, wherein thecopolymer comprises one or more units derived from the at least oneconjugated diolefin wherein the C—C double bond along the backbone ofthe copolymer is functionalized with a oxygen containing functionalgroup, and b) applying a hydrophilic polymer onto the interfacial layerobtained in step a).

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provideda compatibilizer comprising a functionalized copolymer comprisingrepeating units derived from at least one C4-C8 isoolefin and repeatingunits derived from at least one C4-C16 conjugated diolefin, wherein thecopolymer comprises one or more units derived from the at least oneconjugated diolefin wherein the C—C double bond along the backbone ofthe copolymer is functionalized with an oxygen containing functionalgroup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 relates to ¹H NMR spectrum of epoxidized butyl rubber 2 (inC₆D₆);

FIG. 2 relates to ¹H NMR spectrum of the hydroxyl functionalized butylrubber 3 (in C₆D₆);

FIG. 3 shows ¹H NMR spectrum of the carboxylic acid functionalized butylrubber 4 (in CDCl₃);

FIG. 4 a shows high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)C_(1S) of the epoxidized butyl thin film coated onto butyl rubber;

FIG. 4 b shows AFM image (topography) of a thin film of cross-linkedbutyl rubber;

FIG. 4 c shows AFM image (topography) of a thin film of crosslinkedepoxidized butyl rubber 2 coated on butyl rubber;

FIG. 4 d shows AFM image (topography) of a thin film of crosslinkedhydroxyl functionalized butyl rubber 3 coated on butyl rubber;

FIG. 4 e shows AFM image (topography) of a thin film of crosslinked acidfunctionalized butyl rubber 4 coated on butyl rubber;

FIG. 5 a shows AFM image (topography) of a film, having PVS spin castonto butyl rubber; the image represents a 20×20 μm area;

FIG. 5 b shows AFM image (topography) of a film, having PVS spin castonto epoxidized butyl rubber; the image represents a 20×20 μm area;

FIG. 6 a shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PMMA spin castonto butyl rubber;

FIG. 6 b shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PMMA spin castonto epoxidized butyl rubber;

FIG. 7 a shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PCL spin castonto butyl rubber;

FIG. 7 b shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PCL spin castonto epoxidized butyl rubber;

FIG. 8 a shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PEO spin castonto butyl rubber;

FIG. 8 b shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PEO spin castonto epoxidized butyl rubber 2;

FIG. 8 c shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PEO spin castonto hydroxyl functionalized butyl rubber 3;

FIG. 8 d shows AFM image (topography) of a film having PEO spin castonto acid functionalized butyl rubber 4;

FIGS. 9 a to d show relative fluorescence obtained by confocalmicroscopy corresponding to the adsorption of a fluorescently labeledfibrinogen on surfaces following HHIC: a) butyl RB 402, b) epoxidizedbutyl RB402, c) epoxidized butyl RB402 coated with PEO, d) PEO on cleansilicon wafer, e) control surface of silane functionalized PEO graftedon glass (0.01 μg/cm²), wherein error bars represent the standarddeviation of 10 measurements on each of 3 samples; and

FIGS. 10 a to d show evaluation of cell growth on surfaces: a) bulkbutyl rubber, b) butyl+epoxidized butyl+PEO after HHIC, c) controlsurface of silane functionalized PEO grafted on glass d) PEO coatedsilicon wafer following HHIC. Error bars represent the standarddeviation of 10 measurements on each of 3 samples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

The term “hydrophobic polymer” as used herein relates to any polymerresistant to wetting, or not readily wet, by water, i.e., having a lackof affinity for water. Such polymers can be substantially free of polarfunctional groups.

Examples of hydrophobic polymers include, by way of illustration only,polyolefins and copolymers of olefins, such as polyethylene,poly(isobutene), poly(isoprene), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene),polypropylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymers, ethylene-propylenecopolymers, ethylene-propylene-hexadiene copolymers, and ethylene-vinylacetate copolymers; metallocene polyolefins, such as ethylene-butenecopolymers and ethylene-octene copolymers; styrene polymers, such aspoly(styrene), poly(2-methylstyrene), etc.

The term “hydrophilic polymer” as used herein relates to any polymerhaving affinity for water. Such polymers comprise polar or chargedfunctional groups.

Examples of hydrophilic polymers include polyvinylstearate (PVS),poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycaprolactone (PCL), andpoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polypropylene glycol, di- and tri-block copolymers ofpolyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, and any combinationthereof.

The term “wettability” used herein relates to the ability of any solidsurface to be wetted when in contact with water or hydrophilic liquid ora hydrophilic polymer, that is, the surface tension of the liquid isreduced so that the liquid spreads over the surface.

Alternatively, wetting is the ability of a liquid, such hydrophilicpolymer solution to maintain contact with a solid surface, resultingfrom intermolecular interactions when the two are brought together. Thedegree of wetting (wettability) is determined by a force balance betweenadhesive and cohesive forces.

The present invention relates to functionalized copolymers of one ormore isoolefins and one or more diolefins, methods of preparing thesecopolymers, and their use as compatibilizers to improve wettability ofsubstrates towards hydrophilic materials.

Functionalized Graft Co-Polymers

The functionalized copolymers of the present invention compriserepeating units derived from at least one isoolefin and repeating unitsderived from at least one conjugated diolefin. The term “functionalizedcopolymer” as used herein defines a copolymer comprising one or moreunits derived from isoolefin and one or more units derived from the atleast one conjugated diolefin wherein one or more C—C double bonds alongthe backbone of the copolymer are converted into an epoxide group or aC—C single bond having an oxygen containing functional group on at leastone of the carbon atoms.

The non-limiting examples of the oxygen containing functional group areepoxide, hydroxyl, or —OC(O)—R, wherein R is H; C₁₋₆ alkyl; C₁₋₆ alkylsubstituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, whereR′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment, the oxygen containing functional group is —OC(O)—R,wherein R is H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl,—C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or—O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment, the oxygen containing functional group is —OC(O)—R,wherein R is C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment the oxygen containing functional group is —OC(O)—R,wherein R is —CH₂—O—CH₂—C(O)R′, —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—C(O)R′ or —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)R′,wherein R′ is OH or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment, the functionalized copolymer comprises one or moreunits represented by the formula:

wherein R″ is H or —C(O)—R, wherein R is H; C₁₋₆ alkyl; or C₁₋₆ alkylsubstituted with —O—C₁₋₆, alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, whereR′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment, the functionalized copolymer of the present inventionhas a weight average molecular weight of about 250000 to about 1500000g/mol.

In one embodiment, the conjugated diolefin units in the copolymer of thepresent invention have 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the conjugated diolefin is isoprene.

In one embodiment, the unfunctionalized copolymer comprises one or moreisoprene units represented by the formula (III):

In one embodiment, the functionalized copolymer of the present inventioncomprises randomly repeating units a and b represented by the formula(IV):

wherein the combination of a+b represents the empirical formula ofsubstantially random graft copolymer, wherein the ratio of a:b is [about10 to about 2000]: [about 1 to about 200], and R isH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(O)R′ or—O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment, in the copolymer represented by formula (IV), R isC₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ isH, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment, in the copolymer represented by formula (IV), R is—CH₂—O—CH₂—C(O)R′, —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—C(O)R′ or —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)R′, wherein R′ isOH or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In one embodiment, the functionalized copolymer of the present inventionis represented by the formula:

wherein the combination of units a+b+c represents the empirical formulaof substantially random graft copolymer, wherein unit a ranges fromabout 10 to about 2000, unit b ranges from about 1 to about 200, andunit c is 0 to about 200, and d is 0 to about 200, and R is as definedabove for formula (IV).

Preparation of Functionalized Graft Copolymers

The functionalized graft copolymers of the present invention can beprepared by epoxidizing the one or more C—C double bonds along the backbone of the copolymer to form a copolymer functionalized with an epoxygroup. The epoxidized copolymer can then be treated with a protic acidto undergo ring opening of one or more epoxides to form one or morehydroxyl groups. The hydroxyl functionalized copolymer can then betreated with a reagent that can convert the hydroxyl groups into anester groups.

The esterification reagent can be represented by the formula:

R—C(O)—R′″

wherein R is H; C₁₋₆ alkyl; or C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with —O—C₁₋₆alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or—O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, and R′″ is:

wherein X is halogen, R1 to R5 are each independently H, NO₂, halogen orC1-C6 alkyl;

Alternatively, R and R′″, taken together with the C(O) group form acyclic C4-C6 alkyl anhydride, wherein one or more carbon atoms areoptionally replaced with an oxygen atom;

In one embodiment, the esterification reagent is an acid anhydride. Nonlimiting examples as acid anhydride are diglycolic anhydride, glutaricanhydride, succinic anhydride, etc.

The epoxidation step can be carried out using peroxide reagents known inthe art. Non limiting examples of such reagents are hydrogen peroxide,peroxycarboxylic acids (generated in situ or preformed), alkylhydroperoxides, and dimethyldioxirane. In one embodiment, theepoxidizing agent is perbenzoic acid or m-chloroperbenzoic acid.

The protic acids used in the epoxide ring opening step can be selectedfrom the group consisting of HCl, HBr, HF, H₂SO₄, and HNO₃.

The solvents used in the epoxidation step, in the ring opening of theepoxide and/or in the esterification step can be any solvent thatsolubilizes the copolymer. Non-limiting examples of such solvents aretoluene, hexanes, chloroform, dichloromethane or tetrahydrofuran.

The un-functionalized copolymers used in the present invention comprisefrom about 0.5 to about 20 mol % of the repeating units derived from theconjugated diolefin and about 80 to about 99.5 mol % of repeating unitsderived from isoolefin. In one embodiment, the conjugated diolefin unitsare from about 0.5 to about 10 mol % of the copolymer. In oneembodiment, the conjugated diolefin units are from about 1 to about 8mol %.

The un-functionalized copolymers used in the present invention have aweight average molecular weight of about 250000 to about 1500000 g/mol.In one embodiment, the weight average molecular weight of theun-functionalized copolymers is 350000 or 1000000.

The isoolefins suitable for use in the present inventions arehydrocarbon monomers having about 4 to about 10 carbon atoms.Illustrative non-limiting examples of these isoolefins are isobutylene,2-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene,2-methyl-1-pentene or 4-methyl-1-pentene. In one embodiment, theisoolefin is isobutylene.

The conjugated diolefin for use in the methods of the presently claimedinvention can be represented by a general formula:

wherein R6 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing in the rangefrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms and wherein R7 and R8 can be the same ordifferent and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atomsand alkyl groups containing in the range from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, of the above formula one of R7 and R8 is other thanH.

Some representative non-limiting examples of suitable conjugateddiolefins include 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene,4-butyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene 1,3-hexadiene,1,3-octadiene, 2,3-dibutyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-ethyl-1,3-pentadiene,2-ethyl-1,3-butadiene and the like.

In one embodiment, the conjugated diolefins used in the method of thepresent invention have 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the conjugated diolefin is isoprene.

In one embodiment, the un-functionalized copolymer comprises one or moreisoprene unit represented by the formula:

In the functionalization process, one or more of the isoprene units asshown above are converted into one or more allylic hydroxyl sites,represented by the formula:

The allylic hydroxide containing isoprene units (i.e., allylic hydroxylsites) are then converted into one or more functionalized isoprene unitsrepresented by the formula:

wherein R is as defined above.

In one embodiment, the un-functionalized copolymer is a butyl rubber. Inone embodiment the butyl rubber is butyl rubber RB402, butyl rubberRB100 or butyl rubber RB301.

Functional Copolymers as Compatibilizers

In one embodiment, the functionalized copolymers of the presentinvention can be used as compatibilizers for improving wettability of asubstrate surface towards a hydrophilic materials, by applying thesecopolymers onto the surfaces. The hydrophilic materials can then beapplied onto the compatibilizer treated substrates to form homogenouslayers of the hydrophilic materials.

In one embodiment, the hydrophilic material is one or more hydrophilicpolymers. Non limiting examples of hydrophilic polymers include PEO,PMMA, polyesters, PVA, etc.

The compatibilizers of the present invention can be applied ontoinorganic or organic substrates. The examples of inorganic substratesare metal, glass, ceramic and silicon materials.

The organic substrate can be a polymeric substrate comprising one ormore hydrophobic or less polar polymers. In one embodiment, thesubstrate can be an inorganic substrate coated with a hydrophobic orless polar/non-polar polymer layer. In one embodiment, the hydrophobicpolymer is butyl rubber. In one embodiment, the substrate is one or moresheets of cured butyl rubber or cross-linked films of spin cast butylrubber.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to method of coating ahydrophilic/polar polymer on a non-hydrophilic (i.e., hydrophobic/lesshydrophilic/non-polar/neutral substrate), which comprises the steps ofapplying the compatibilizer of the present invention on a substratesurface to form an interfacial layer; and then applying a hydrophilicpolymer onto the interfacial layer.

In one embodiment, the compatibilizers can be applied as solution in asolvent which solubilizes the compatibilizer. Non limiting examples ofcompatibilizer solubilizing solvents are hexane, chloroform,dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, chlorobenzene, acetone, etc.

In one embodiment, the hydrophilic polymers can be applied as a solutionin a solvent which solubilizes the hydrophilic polymer. Non limitingexamples of hydrophilic polymer solubilizing solvents are chloroform,dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate,toluene, chlorobenzene, acetone, etc.

The compatibilizers and/or the hydrophilic polymers can be applied ontothe surfaces via spin coating, dip coating or spray coating methods asknown in the art.

In one embodiment, the polymer layers after applying the compatibilizerand/or after applying the hydrophilic polymer are cross linked with thesubstrate layer they are applied onto. The crosslinking can be achievedby methods such as Hyperthermal Hydrogen Induced Crosslinking (HHIC) asdescribed in PCT Publication No. WO 2010/099608, crosslinking withactivated species from Inert Gas-Casing known in the art (Schonhorn et.al. in H. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2003, 11, 1461-1474, Yu, et. Al., J.Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 1998, 36, 1583-1592, and Yasuda, H.K.; Lin, Y. S.; Yu, Q. S. Prog. Org. Coat. 2001, 42, 236-243, orelectron beam crosslinking (Clough R. L., Nucl. Instr. Meth. Phys. Res.B, 2001, 185, 8-33; Chmielewski A. G., Haji-Saeid M., Ahmed S., Nucl.Instr. Meth. Phys. Res. B, 2005, 236, 44-54; and Browmick A. K.,Vijayabaskar V., Rubb. Chem. Technol., 2006, 79, 402-428), incorporatedherein by reference.

The functionalized copolymers of the present invention improve thewettabilty of surfaces towards hydrophilic polymers, and allow theformation of homogenous layers of the hydrophilic polymers as comparedto surface not coated with these compatibilizers. The hydrophilicpolymer coated substrates, produced using the compatibilizers of thepresent invention, exhibit resistance to protein adsorption and cellgrowth after grafting.

The invention will now be described with reference to specific examples.It will be understood that the following examples are intended todescribe embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit theinvention in any way.

Materials:

Silicon wafers were purchased from University Wafer (Boston, USA). Butylrubber RB402 (weight-average molecular weight M_(w) of 400000 g/mol)composed of 2.2 mol % of isoprene units was obtained from LANXESS.Solvents were purchased from Caledon and all other chemicals werepurchased from Sigma Aldrich and were used without further purificationunless otherwise noted. 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) was purified byrecrystallization in toluene before use. m-Chloroperbenzoic acid wasdissolved in toluene and dried with MgSO₄ before use. Dry toluene wasobtained from a solvent purification system. ¹H NMR spectra wereobtained in CDCl₃ at 400 MHz or 600 MHz. NMR chemical shifts arereported in ppm and are calibrated against residual solvent signals ofC₆D₆ or CDCl₃ (δ 7.16, 7.26). Coupling constants (J) are reported in Hz.

General Procedures: Molecular Weight Determination:

Molecular weights are determined by Size exclusion chromatography (SEC),carried out in THF or CHCl₃ using a Waters 2695 separations moduleequipped with a 2414 differential refractometer and two Resipore (300mm×7.5 mm) columns from Polymer Laboratories. The calibration wasperformed using polystyrene standards.

Hydrophilic Polymer Coating on Surfaces:

Thin films of hydrophilic polymer on butyl rubber were prepared by spincoating a solution (2.5 or 5 mg/mL, 100 μL for 1 cm², 6000 rpm, 30 s) ofthe hydrophilic polymer in CH₂Cl₂ (PEO, PMMA, PCL, PVA) on a butylrubber or compatibilizer coated silicon wafer. The surfaces were thencross-linked using HHIC.

Hyperthermal Hydrogen Induced Cross-Linking (HHIC)

The surfaces were treated with hyperthermal hydrogen for the modifiedsilicon wafers or butyl rubber specimens, with a treatment time of 30seconds to 100 s. For the butyl rubber surfaces, the spin coated andcross-linking steps were carried out twice. The conditions were: (a) thehydrogen plasma was maintained with 200 W of microwave energy, and 87.5mT in magnetic field for increasing the plasma density; (b) protons wereextracted by a grid electrode at −96V, into the draft tube of 50 cm at0.80 mTorr of gaseous hydrogen; and (c) ions and electrons were screenedin front of the specimen with a pair of grid-electrodes biased to +60 Vand −40V. Under this set of conditions, a high flux of hyperthermalneutral hydrogen projectiles, with appropriate kinetic energy to breakC—H bonds but not other bonds undesirably, was delivered to the specimensurface.

AFM Analyses: Method A:

Surface morphology of the samples was imaged with the dynamic force modeusing a Park Systems XE-100 atomic force microscope. Arectangular-shaped silicon cantilever (T300, VISTAprobes) was used,which has a nominal tip apex radius of 10 nm, spring constant of 40 N/mand resonant frequency of 300 kHz. The cantilever was vibrated aroundits resonant frequency and its reduced amplitude was used as thefeedback parameter to image the sample surface. The measurements werecarried out in air at room temperature.

Method B:

Surfaces were visualized by an atomic force microscope (Nanoscope IIIAFM system Digital Instrument). Images were obtained by scanning thesurface in a tapping mode using rectangular-shaped silicon cantileverswith a spring constant of 48 N/m. Data were then refined using thesoftware Nanoscope and digitally obtained scans were graphicallymodified by using the software Gwyddion.

Contact Angle Measurements:

A contact angle goniometer (Ramé-Hart's Model 100-00 or Kress DSA 100)was used. Surfaces were first loaded onto the stage and drops ofdistilled water were placed on the specimens. The reported static angleswere calculated by averaging the angles from both the left and rightsides of the droplet. Advanced and receding contact angles were alsoevaluated. At least 10 measurements on each surface were obtained foreach experimental condition.

Preparation of Control Surfaces for Protein Adsorption Test:

Thin films of PEO were prepared by spin coating a solution of PEO inCH₂Cl₂ (4 mg/mL, 100 μL for 1 cm², 6000 rpm, 30 s) on a clean siliconwafer. The films were cross-linked by HHIC treatment for 100 s. PEOgrafted glass surfaces were prepared by silanation of glass surfaceswith (N-triethoxysilylpropyl)-O-monomethoxy PEG urethane in ethanol.

Protein Adsorption:

A solution of a Rhodamine-fibrinogen conjugate in 5 mM phosphate buffer,pH 7.2 was prepared at a concentration of 400 μg/mL. The surfaces werethen immersed in the protein solution. After 2 hours, the non-adsorbedprotein was removed by washing the surfaces with buffer and water. Thefluorescence was then evaluated by using an LSM 510 multi-channel pointscanning confocal microscope (Laser 543 nm and band pass filter of560-600 nm). The fluorescence was evaluated by averaging 10 randomlyselected regions of the surface within each sample. Linear operation ofthe camera was ensured, and the constant exposure time used during theimage collection permitted quantitative analyses of the observedfluorescent signals. The fluorescence microscopy images were analyzedusing the software Northern Eclipse Image Analysis (Empix Imaging,Mississauga, Ontario) which yielded the mean and standard deviation ofthe fluorescence intensity within a given image. The fluorescenceintensity of a region of the surface that was not exposed to protein wasmeasured in order to quantify the background fluorescence of thematerial itself and this value was subtracted from the fluorescencemeasured for the exposed regions. The background-corrected fluorescenceintensity for each film was then used to compare the protein adsoptionon each surface. For all the samples, three surfaces were prepared andmeasured.

Preparation of Surfaces for Evaluation of Cell Growth

A sheet of bulk cured butyl rubber 08CA361 was washed by immersion inwater for 24 h and then cut and sterilized by UV light (1 h). Thiswashed sheet of butyl rubber was also spin coated with epoxidized butylrubber in hexane (5 mg/mL, 100 μL for 1 cm², 6000 rpm, 30 s) followed byPEO in CH₂Cl₂ (4 mg/mL, 100 μL for 1 cm², 6000 rpm, 30 s) twice. Thecontrol PEO-coated surfaces were prepared as described above for theprotein adsorption test.

Evaluation of Cell Growth

C₂C₁₂ mouse myoblast cells were cultured in growth medium composed ofDulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovineserum (FBS) and supplemented with 1% Glutamax (100×) solution and 1%Penstrep (100×). 1×10⁴ cells were seeded on each of the preparedsurfaces (1 cm²). These cells were incubated in the growth mediumdescribed above at 37° C. (5% CO₂). After 48 hours, the growth mediumwas aspirated and the surfaces were washed 3 times with PBS (pH=7.2).The cells were then incubated for 10 minutes with a para-formaldehydefixing solution (400 mg in 10 mL of PBS 10×, pH=7.2) and then washed 3times with PBS (pH=7.2). After fixation, the surfaces were immersed incold acetone (3 min) and in PBS buffer (10 min) for permeation. Finally,the surfaces were immersed in a DAPI solution (1 μg/mL in water) tostain the cell nuclei. The number of cells on each surface was thenevaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Ten randomly selected regions wereaveraged for each surface. For each sample, three surfaces were preparedand measured.

General Reaction Schemes:

The reaction sequences used in the preparation of examples offunctionalized copolymers of the present application is shown below inScheme 1:

Example 1 Synthesis of Epoxidized Butyl Rubber (2)

Butyl rubber (1) (11 g, 4.3 mmol of isoprene units) was dissolved in drytoluene (300 mL). A previously dried solution ofmeta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (6.0 g in 180 mL of toluene) was added tothe poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) in solution. The resulting mixture wasstirred overnight at room temperature. After evaporation of the solventin vacuo, epoxidized butyl rubber was purified by precipitation inacetone/toluene (2:1) twice. The resulting polymer (2) was dried undervacuum (yield 91%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, benzene D₆): δ 2.77 (t, 1H, J=5.8Hz), 1.63 (s, CH₂ polyisobutylene, 88H), δ 1.30 ppm (s, CH₃polyisobutylene, 264H). SEC: M_(w)=433000 g/mol, PDI=2.17.

Example 2 Synthesis of Hydroxylated Butyl Rubber (3)

Butyl rubber (2) (10 g, 3.9 mmol of epoxidized units) was dissolved intoluene (300 mL). An aqueous HCl solution (37%, 530 μL 6.4 mmol) wasadded and the reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature. Afterevaporation of the solvent in vacuo, hydroxylated butyl rubber (3) waspurified by precipitation in acetone/toluene (2:1) twice. The resultingpolymer was dried under vacuum (yield 90%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, benzeneD_(o)): δ 5.40 (s, 1H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.05-4.09 (m, 1H), 1.63 (s,CH₂polyisobutylene, 88H), 1.30 (s, CH₃polyisobutylene, 264H). SEC:M_(w)=391200 g/mol, PDI=2.16.

Example 3 Synthesis of Acid Functionalized Butyl Rubber (4)

Butyl rubber (3) (10 g, 3.9 mmol of hydroxylated units) was dissolved intoluene (300 mL). A solution of diglycolic anhydride was prepared bydissolving 10 equivalents of the anhydride (4.5 g, 39 mmol) in toluene(200 mL). The hydroxylated butyl rubber was heated to 75° C. To thesolution, 2 equivalents of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.95 g, 7.8 mmol)were added, followed by 20 equiv. of triethylamine (10.9 mL). Theanhydride solution was added via syringe and the reaction was stirredovernight at 95° C. The reaction mixture was washed twice with 6 M HCl,then the solvent was evaporated. The product was purified byprecipitation in acetone/toluene (2:1) twice, then was dried undervacuum (yield 90%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 5.29 (br s, 1H), 5.12 (s,1H), 4.95 (s, 1H), 4.20-4.40 (m, 4H), 1.42 (s, CH₂ polyisobutylene,174H), 1.12 (s, CH₃ polyisobutylene, 431H). SEC: M, =309000 g/mol,PDI=2.52.

Example 4 Preparation of Surfaces for Applying Compatibilizer of thePresent Invention 4a: Preparation of Silicon Surfaces:

Silicon wafers were cleaned by immersion in H₂O₂/H₂SO₄ solution. Theywere then rinsed with deionized distilled water and dried at 100° C.

4b: Preparation of Butyl Rubber Surface:

Thin films of butyl rubber were prepared by spin coating a solution ofbutyl rubber RB 402 in hexane (5 mg/mL, 100 μL, for 1 cm², 6000 rpm, 30s) on a clean silicon wafer. The surface was cross-linked by HHIC.

Example 5 Preparation of Compatibilizer-Coated Surfaces

Thin films of oxygenated butyl rubber derivatives 2, 3, or 4 wereprepared by spin-coating a solution of these derivatives in hexane (5mg/mL, 100 μL for 1 cm², 6000 rpm, 30 s) on a clean silicon wafer or ona butyl rubber coated silicon wafer.

High resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) C_(1S) spectraconfirmed the presence of the epoxide functionality when thin films ofthe butyl derivative 2 was coated onto the surface, for example FIG. 4Ashowing XPS C_(1S) spectra of the epoxidized butyl 2 thin film coatedonto butyl rubber, suggested that the epoxidized.

Example 6 Physical Grafting and Characterization of Oxygenated ButylRubber

The films of epoxidized butyl rubber were grafted onto the butyl rubbersurface by using HHIC. XPS results suggested that the epoxy groupssurvived the HHIC treatment process (FIG. 4A), and atomic forcemicroscopy (AFM) demonstrated that uniform films of epoxy butyl rubberon butyl rubber could be obtained (FIGS. 4B, and 4C). Similarly, FIGS.4D and 4E show AFM image (topography) of a thin film of crosslinkedhydroxyl functionalized butyl rubber 3 and crosslinked acidfunctionalized butyl rubber 4, respectively coated on butyl rubber. Themeasurements for film thickness, roughness, and contact angles are shownin Table 1.

TABLE 1 Analyses of crosslinked butyl rubber before and after coatingwith epoxidized butyl rubber (AFM) Film Film Thickness Roughness StaticAdv. Rec. Sample (nm) (nm) CA (°) CA (°) CA (°) Butyl rubber 28 1.5 92 ±1 103 ± 6 77 ± 17 RB402 Epoxidized 43 4.7 88 ± 2  97 ± 6 72 ± 14 Butyl 2Hydroxyl 44.5 3.9 87.0 ± 0.4  99 ± 3 62 ± 19 functionalized butyl 3 Acid41.3 8.2 86 ± 3 100 ± 6 76 ± 13 functionalized butyl 4

Example 6 Epoxidized Butyl 2 as a Compatibilizer

The wettability of the epoxidized butyl surfaces towards morehydrophilic polymers was investigated. A comparative study was performedwhere both regular butyl rubber or epoxidized butyl rubber were used assubstrates to create thin films of various polymers. AFM imaging wasqualitatively used to obtain the topography of the obtained thin filmsafter spin-casting. To quantitatively evaluate the influence of thecompatibilizer, contact angle measurements were performed followingtreatment of the films with HHIC. The hydrophilic polymers investigatedin this example are polyvinylstearate (PVS), PMMA, and polycaprolactone(PCL).

As shown in FIG. 5, the coverage of the epoxidized butyl rubber surfacewas more homogeneous than the regular butyl rubber substrate. Inaddition, consistent with the AFM results (carried out using Method A),lower contact angles were obtained for the PVS coated epoxidized butylrubber surfaces (Table 2).

TABLE 2 Contact Angle measurements of the PVS coated butyl rubber afterHHIC treatment. Concentration Static CA Adv. CA Rec. CA mg/mL (°) (°)(°) PVS on 2.5 94 ± 6 99 ± 3 77 ± 5 butyl 5 100 ± 3  106 ± 2  89 ± 5 PVSon 2.5 85 ± 1 95 ± 3 76 ± 2 epoxidized 5 80 ± 2 96 ± 2 64 ± 2 butyl

The AFM results (carried out using Method B), also revealed a morehomogeneous coating of the epoxidized butyl rubber surfaces with PMMA(FIG. 6) and PCL (FIG. 7). As shown in Tables 3 and 4, lower contactangles were also obtained for these surfaces.

TABLE 3 Contact Angle measurements of the PMMA coated butyl rubber afterHHIC treatment. Concentration Static CA Adv. CA Rec. CA mg/mL (°) (°)(°) PMMA on 2.5 89 ± 3 91 ± 2 55 ± 4 butyl 5 82 ± 4 90 ± 1 44 ± 3 PMMAon 2.5 66 ± 5 85 ± 2 39 ± 2 epoxidized 5 63 ± 1 74 ± 2 35 ± 1 butyl

TABLE 4 Contact Angle measurements of the PCL coated butyl rubber afterHHIC treatment. Concentration Static CA Adv. CA Rec. CA mg/mL (°) (°)(°) PCL on 2.5 80 ± 2 86 ± 2 57 ± 7 butyl 5 76 ± 2 90 ± 3 58 ± 6 PCL on2.5 65 ± 2 71 ± 3 44 ± 5 epoxidized 5 64 ± 2 74 ± 2 46 ± 4 butyl

Example 7 Comparison of PEO Coated Butyl Rubber Surface andFunctionalized Butyl Rubber Surfaces

As described above for other hydrophilic polymers, the incompatibilitybetween PEO and butyl rubber led to a film that was highly inhomogeneouswith large drops of PEO observed on the surface of the hydrophobicelastomer (FIG. 8). The spin coating of PEO on the epoxidized butylrubber surface created more homogeneous layers as indicated by AFMimaging (using Method B), and contact angle measurements (FIG. 8).

Similarly, PEO could also be coated onto butyl rubber using the hydroxyland acid functionalized compatibilizers 3 and 4. The PEO wassubsequently cross-linked by HHIC for 100 s to provide a stable filmthat resisted washing with water. Table 5 summarizes results fromanalyses of PEO coated surfaces.

TABLE 5 Analyses of PEO coatings Film Film Thickness Roughness (from(from Static Adv. AFM) AFM) CA CA Rec. CA Sample (nm) (nm) (°) (°) (°)PEO on Butyl 31.6 17.8 59 ± 1 43 ± 3 30 ± 11 RB402 (1) PEO on 55.8 7.149 ± 3 73 ± 8 33 ± 13 Epoxidized Butyl 2 PEO on 52.7 6.0 51 ± 3 58 ± 440 ± 9  Hydroxyl functionalized butyl 3 Acid 52.8 11.3 48 ± 3 61 ± 4 37± 12 functionalized butyl 4 on butyl RB402

Example 8 Resistance of PEO Coated Surfaces to Protein Adsorption

Experiments were conducted to verify that the resulting PEO coatedsurfaces could resist the adsorption of proteins. Fluorescencemicroscopy was selected as the primary technique to compare the proteinadsorption to different surfaces (Model et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res.2000, 50, 90-96). Fibrinogen was selected as the protein of interestbecause it is a prevalent protein from plasma, involved in the clottingof blood. Fibrinogen has previously received considerable interestbecause it plays a pivotal role in the process of surface-inducedthrombosis (Horbett, T. A. Cardiovasc. Pathol. 1993, 2, S137). Afluorescent fibrinogen adduct was prepared by its reaction with anactivated rhodamine dye as previously reported (Bonduelle, C. V.;Gillies, E. R. Macromolecules 2010, 43, 9230-9233).

For comparison with the butyl rubber surfaces, a clean, hydrophilicsilicon wafer was coated with PEO and treated by HHIC in the same manneras the PEO coated butyl surfaces. In addition, a coated silicon surfacein which PEO was grafted chemically was prepared by the reaction of asilane functionalized PEO with clean glass according to the previouslyreported procedure (Jo, S.; Park, K. Biomaterials 2000, 21, 605-616).While the fluorescence method does not allow the actual masses ofadsorbed protein to be determined, the inclusion of this chemicallygrafted control sample allows our results to be correlated and comparedwith a surface for which these values have been previously determined.

To measure the protein adsorption, the butyl, epoxidized butyl, PEOcoated epoxidized butyl, PEO coated silicon wafer, and chemicallygrafted PEO surfaces were immersed in a 400 μg/mL solution offluorescent fibrinogen for 2 hours. Following this, the surfaces werewashed and confocal fluorescence microscopy was performed at 590 nm. Thefluorescence was quantified for at least 10 random regions on eachsurface and at least 3 surfaces of each type were measured forstatistical reasons.

As shown in FIG. 9, the butyl rubber and epoxidized butyl rubbersurfaces exhibited intense fluorescence (using Method A) correspondingto high levels of protein adsorption, a result that can likely beattributed to their high hydrophobicities. In contrast, the PEO coatedsilicon wafer exhibited 80-fold lower fluorescence levels. Thefluorescence levels of this surface compared favorably with those of thechemically grafted PEO surface. As this particular chemically graftedPEO surface has been measured to adsorb 0.01 μg/cm² of protein after 1hour of immersion in a solution of 150 μg/mL, it can be inferred thatthe values for the cross-linked PEO coated silicon wafer would be in asimilar range under the same experimental conditions. The PEO coatedepoxidized butyl rubber exhibited approximately 10-fold less proteinadsorption than on butyl or epoxidized butyl itself, demonstrating theefficacy of the compatibilizer layer in enabling the coating of butyl toprovide surfaces that resist protein adsorption.

Example 9 Resistance of the Surfaces to Cell Adhesion and Growth

Cell adhesion on a substrate is a necessary condition for survival andproliferation of the vast majority of mammalian cells in culture. Ascells need to be attached to grow, the evaluation of cell growth on asurface can reflect the ability of this surface to resist cell adhesion.Therefore, the growth of cells on the surfaces was explored. Eachsurface was seeded with 10 000 C₂C₁₂ mouse myoblast cells per cm² andthen the surfaces were incubated for 2 days in culture media. Afterfixation, the cell nuclei were stained with DAPI, and fluorescenceconfocal microscopy was used to count the number of cells on thesurface. 10 random regions per surface were counted and the surfaceswere evaluated in triplicate.

As shown in FIG. 10, it was found that bulk butyl rubber was a goodsubstrate for cell growth, exhibiting similar cell growth to tissueculture polystyrene (approximately 200 000 cells/cm²). In contrast, whenbutyl was coated first with epoxidized butyl as an compatibilizer layer,followed by PEO and HHIC, the number of cells decreased 10-fold, to avalue similar to that observed for the control chemically grafted PEOsurface. This reduction in cell adhesion and growth is likely tied tothe resistance of these surfaces to protein adsorption as proteinadsorption is thought to often be the first step in cell attachment tosurfaces (Shard, A. G.; Tomlins, P. E. Regenerative Med. 2006, 1,789-800).

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the invention are, inrelevant par, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

It is obvious that the foregoing embodiments of the invention areexamples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or futurevariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obviousto one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of improving wettability of a substrate surfacetowards a hydrophilic polymer, comprising: applying a compatibilizer tosaid surface, said compatibilizer comprising a functionalized copolymercomprising repeating units derived from at least one C4-C8 isoolefin andunits derived from at least one C4-C16 conjugated diolefin, wherein saidcopolymer comprises one or more units derived from said at least oneconjugated diolefin wherein the C—C double bond along the backbone ofthe copolymer is functionalized with an oxygen containing functionalgroup.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the oxygen containingfunctional group is epoxide, hydroxyl, or —OC(O)—R, wherein R is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the functionalized copolymer comprises one ormore functionalized isoprene units represented by the formula:

wherein R″ is H or —C(O)—R, wherein R is H; C₁₋₆ alkyl: or C₁₋₆ alkylsubstituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, whereR′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein said substrate is a silicon material or a hydrophobic polymer.5. The method of claim 1, wherein said substrate is a silicon materialhaving a layer of hydrophobic polymer coated thereon.
 6. The method ofclaim 4 or 5, wherein said hydrophobic polymer is a butyl rubber.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein said substrate is a cured film of butylrubber or crosslinked film of butyl rubber.
 8. A method of coating ahydrophilic polymer on a non-hydrophilic substrate, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) applying a compatibilizer on a surface ofsaid substrate to form an interfacial layer; wherein said compatibilizercomprises a functionalized copolymer comprising repeating units derivedfrom at least one C4-C8 isoolefin and units derived from at least oneC4-C16 conjugated diolefin, wherein said copolymer comprises one or moreunits derived from said at least one conjugated diolefin wherein the C—Cdouble bond along the backbone of the copolymer is functionalized with aoxygen containing functional group, and b) applying a hydrophilicpolymer onto said interfacial layer obtained in step a).
 9. The methodof claim 8, wherein said compatibilizer is applied as solution in acompatibilizer solubilizing solvent.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinsaid solvent is selected from the group consisting of hexane,chloroform, dichloromethane, acetone and tetrahydrofuran.
 11. The methodof claim 8, said compatibilizer is applied via spin coating, dip coatingor spray coating.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein said hydrophilicpolymer is applied as a solution in a solvent which solubilizes saidhydrophilic polymer.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said solvent isselected from the group consisting of chloroform, dichloromethane,toluene, chlorobenzene, or tetrahydrofuran.
 14. The method of claim 8,said hydrophilic polymer is applied via spin coating, dip coating orspray coating.
 15. The method of claim 8 further comprising a step ofcross linking said interfacial layer onto said substrate.
 16. The methodof claim 8 or 15, further comprising a step of crosslinking saidhydrophilic polymer and said interfacial layer.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein said crosslinking is achieved by Hyperthermal HydrogenInduced Crosslinking (HHIC), crosslinking with activated species fromInert Gas-Casing, or electron beam crosslinking.ab.
 18. The method ofclaim 8, wherein said compatibilizer comprises from about 0.5 to about20 mol % of the units derived from said conjugated diolefin and about 80to 99.5 mol % of the units derived from said isoolefin.
 19. The methodof claim 8, wherein said isoolefin comprises isobutylene.
 20. The methodof claim 8, wherein the functionalized copolymer comprises one or morefunctionalized isoprene units represented by the formula:

wherein R″ is H or —C(O)—R, wherein R is H; C₁₋₆ alkyl; or C₁₋₆ alkylsubstituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, whereR′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.
 21. The method of claim 8,wherein said substrate is silicon material or a hydrophobic polymer. 22.The method of claim 8, wherein said substrate is a silicone materialhaving a layer of hydrophobic polymer coated thereon.
 23. The method ofclaim 21 or 22, wherein hydrophobic polymer is butyl rubber.
 24. Themethod of claim 21, wherein said substrate is a cured film of butylrubber or crosslinked film of butyl rubber.
 25. The method of claim 8,wherein said hydrophilic polymer is PEO, PMMA, a polyester or PVS.
 26. Acompatibilizer comprising a functionalized copolymer comprisingrepeating units derived from at least one C4-C8 isoolefin and repeatingunits derived from at least one C4-C16 conjugated diolefin, wherein saidcopolymer comprises one or more units derived from said at least oneconjugated diolefin wherein the C—C double bond along the backbone ofthe copolymer is functionalized with an oxygen containing functionalgroup.
 27. The compatibilizer of claim 26, wherein the oxygen containingfunctional group is epoxide, hydroxyl, or —OC(O)—R, wherein R is H; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.
 28. Thecompatibilizer of claim 26, wherein the oxygen containing functionalgroup is —OC(O)—R, wherein R is H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substitutedwith —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH,C₁₋₆ alkyl or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl.
 29. The compatibilizer of claim 26, whereinthe functionalized copolymer comprises one or more functionalizedisoprene units represented by the formula:

wherein R is H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl,—C(O)R′ or —O—C₁₋₆ alkyl-C(O)R′, where R′ is H, OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl or—O—C₁₋₆alkyl.
 30. The compatibilizer of claim 26, wherein said copolymerhas a weight average molecular weight of 250000 to 1500000 g/mol. 31.The compatibilizer of claim 26, wherein said copolymer comprises fromabout 1 to about 20 mol % of the repeating units derived from saidconjugated diolefin and about 80 to 99.5 mol % of the repeating unitsderived said isoolefin.
 32. The compatibilizer of claim 26, wherein saidcopolymer comprises isobutylene.
 33. The compatibilizer of claim 26,comprising 3 to 100% of said functionalized isoprene units.